MATT HURST INCE TYRE SHOP OWNER SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL DOG ABUSE IN WIGAN

Matthew Hurst, a resident of Ince, Wigan, was convicted in 2022 for a horrifying act of animal cruelty that shocked the local community and animal welfare organizations alike. The incident involved the brutal abuse of his pet dog, Congo, which was captured on camera and subsequently brought to public attention through a distressing video.

Hurst, born on April 28, 1999, and residing at 34 Bryn Street, Ince, Wigan WN3 4RX, was recorded on footage engaging in a violent assault against his defenseless dog. The video, which was forwarded to the RSPCA by a concerned member of the public, depicts Hurst repeatedly stamping on Congo, a black bull breed dog, with significant force. The footage shows Hurst sitting on a sofa initially, observing the dog as it appears to be urinating or defecating on the floor. Without warning, he stands up and begins to kick the animal approximately fifteen times, shouting, “what are you doing,” as he delivers each blow.

Following the kicks, Hurst reaches down and seizes Congo by the head, forcefully slamming the dog onto the ground multiple times. The entire sequence of violence is described by RSPCA inspector Ryan King as the most severe he has witnessed in his three years of service. The inspector detailed the extent of the injuries, noting that Congo had sustained at least 21 blows to his abdomen, chest, and head. Remarkably, despite the severity of the assault, the dog did not suffer any permanent injuries.

After the incident, Hurst signed Congo over to the RSPCA, indicating he no longer wished to care for the animal. The organization has plans to rehome Congo in the future, ensuring the dog receives proper care and a safe environment.

Hurst’s background includes his role as a mechanic within his family’s business, PM Tyres, located at Railway Arches, Wigan WN3 4HX. The business is involved in car repairs and tyre retail, and Hurst’s involvement in the community is well known, although his actions have now cast a shadow over his reputation.

In court, Hurst received a sentence of a 16-week jail term, which was suspended, along with a requirement to complete 20 days of rehabilitation activities and 120 hours of unpaid work. Additionally, he was ordered to pay court costs amounting to £2,558 and a victim surcharge of £120. As part of his punishment, Hurst was disqualified from keeping animals for ten years, a measure aimed at preventing any future incidents of animal cruelty.

The case has garnered significant media attention, with outlets such as the Liverpool Echo and ITV News reporting on the incident. The severity of the abuse and the subsequent legal consequences highlight the ongoing issues surrounding animal cruelty and the importance of vigilant community reporting to protect vulnerable animals from harm.